If you reside in Dallas and have a Stryker recalled hip implant you may need a Stryker hip attorney. Stryker recalled their ABGII and Rejuvenate last July, 2012, following many adverse reports to the FDA from recipients. Stryker stated a higher-than-normal risk of implant failure due to excessive fretting and corrosion at the metal neck juncture, resulting in the release of metal ions into the body. When those ions settle into the surrounding hip tissues, inflammation occurs, and eventually the tissue and bone will degrade and suffer necrosis. Chronic hip or groin pain is likely as a result of this inflammation. When the same metal ions travel to the bloodstream, metal toxicity can occur. Chromium and cobalt ions are responsible for such adverse health symptoms as:
· Cardiovascular issues
· Gastrointestinal disorders
· Renal, thyroid and neurological problems
· Loss of hearing and vision
· Reproductive disorders
· DNA disruption
· The development of pseudo-tumors
· Depression, irritability, anxiety
· Vertigo
· Chronic headaches
The Rejuvenate and ABGII implemented a new design consisting of a variety of components which allowed surgeons to fit the implant to the body type and level of activity of each individual patient. These two models also used a ceramic ball rather than a metal one, leading doctors and patients to believe they were a very safe alternative to the all-metal implants causing serious adverse health issues in implant recipients. Unfortunately it was later found that the surfaces in the Rejuvenate and ABGII which were not meant to experience significant wear were, in fact, suffering corrosion and fretting. Many recipients of the ABGII or Rejuvenate were forced to undergo risky and expensive revision surgery.
Because the stem of the Rejuvenate is placed so deeply into the femur, removing it can be very complex. In some instances the femur bone fractures or shatters during revision surgery, causing more problems for the patient. This type of revision surgery can last several hours, leading to as much as six weeks of recovery time. Patients subjected to the revision surgery could lose their jobs or, at the very least, be without a paycheck for a significant length of time. An experienced Stryker hip attorney will work hard in pursuit of an equitable settlement which includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
It appears that there could be a higher-than-normal number of Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implant devices in Dallas, and other metropolitan areas. Soon after the Stryker recall, lawsuits against Stryker began being filed; it is expected that the next year will see a sharp increase in these numbers as the statute of limitations in many states is two years from the time of the recall. A qualified Stryker hip attorney can help Dallas Stryker Hip Implant recipients preserve their right to recovery by making sure they do not exceed the applicable statute of limitations deadlines. Even if you have not yet experienced adverse health symptoms from your Stryker ABGII or Rejuvenate it’s important to have blood work done by your physician to determine your cobalt and chromium levels.